Business
EXCLUSIVE: Rutland named strongest performer in adult social care index
Rutland CC has been named the strongest performer in adult social care using refined productivity metrics.
Audit firms look overseas amid shortage
Audit firms are having to resort to recruiting overseas to fill public sector vacancies because of low levels of interest within the UK.
Engie to lead zero-carbon pilot in Staffordshire
A consortium is to test a system for lowering energy usage and carbon emissions on a town-wide scale in Rugeley.
Further moves to bring troubled housing company in-house
The termination of a housing management contract spanning four local authorities in Kent has moved a step closer.
Planning White Paper to promote US-style zoning
The upcoming planning White Paper is expected to promote a US-style zoning approach.
Gravesham aiming to become ‘entrepreneurial authority’
Gravesham BC has formed a local authority trading company in a bid to become an ‘entrepreneurial authority’.
Uncertainty puts East Lothian procurement on hold
Uncertainty over the future of waste and recycling in Scotland has led to East Lothian Council pushing back procurement of a contract for bin collections.
Chief executive criticised by cross-party working group
One of Norfolk’s longest serving chief executives should have had a stronger hold over a project to build an innovation centre, a cross-party working group has found.
Kier takes on Birmingham highways contract as Amey departs
Kier is to take over highway services in Birmingham on an interim basis, bringing an end to the city council’s rocky 10-year partnership with Amey.
Council pays compensation to Amey after High Court challenge
West Sussex CC has paid £4m in compensation to Amey over a contested highways procurement process.
EXCLUSIVE: Rate relief delay expected
Changes to business rates reliefs that the Government wants to make from April will not be introduced in time by some councils, The MJ understands.
Flagship £25m regeneration project rescued
Basildon BC has rescued a major regeneration project following the collapse of its construction contractor.
Enfield closes care company
Services are to be run in-house after Independence and Wellbeing Enfield (IWE) failed to generate enough commercial income.
Care homes to be brought ‘back to life’ in private sector
Derby City Council has sold three of its care homes to the private sector to secure investment.
Auditors in fees increase warning
Auditors have warned a number of councils that their audit fees for 2019/20 could be more than one-fifth higher than they were expecting.
Pension partnership in asset manager threat
The £30bn Brunel Pension Partnership has launched a combative new climate policy that threatens to exclude asset managers if they fail to raise their game.
Nottingham in bid to 'stabilise' energy company
A new management team has been installed at Robin Hood Energy and governance of council-controlled companies is being overhauled after the company was threatened with having its licence revoked.
Council acts after planning 'collusion'
‘Swift action’ has been taken by Northumberland Council’s senior management after ‘several persons in positions of authority and control’ appeared to ‘collude’ with a developer.
Reading appoints leisure operator on 25-year contract
Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL) has been awarded a contract to operate Reading BC’s leisure services.
Council insources 'unsustainable' care service
Bath & North East Somerset Council has decided to bring in-house adult care services following the termination of an ‘unsustainable’ outsourcing contract.